NationStates Jolt Archive

Reporter: "Behind me the most senior Members of Parliament are meeting in the Central Government Building to discuss the legality and possible implications of the intiative started by the Rotovian Bureu of Intelligence known as the Watchers.... ok, we are crossing over live"

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Chairman: "I Senator Andrew Heyford, as a Member of the Senate of Rotovia and Chairman of this Council hereby call to order the two-hundred and eighty-second meeting of the full assembly of the Senate Committee for Law, Justice and Equality and the nineth joint sitting with the Senate Committee for Constitution and Citizenship's Sub-Committee; the Sub-Committee for Civil Rights. I acknowledge this session is to be known as the nineth sitting of the Joint-Committee."

Deputy Chairman: "May we call upon the Honoured President?"

Chairman: "So ordered, would His Eminency, the Honourable President Dionysus Baccheus take the stand. Mr President, could you explain your affiliation with the organisation known as the Watchers?"

President: "Mr Chairman, I have no active affilation other than a copy of a compiled dossier presented to me by the Rotovian Bureu of Intelligence"

Commitee Member: "We are concerned over the potential of this organisation to be abused, why is it we were not consulted on the matter?"

President: "The Committee excists in an advisory capacity, donot presume to overstep your place Senator"

Chairman: "Mr President, this Watcher's organisation as you call it is a clear excess in the way of intelligence and should surely be the concern of this Committee?"

President: "Your concern is not my bussiness, my bussiness is running Rotovia and mainataining peace where I can in the world"

Vice Chairman: "A full manifesto and membership list will be presented to this Committee with in forty-eight hours."

President: "I recognise no authority of this Committee over this matter"

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Reporter: "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President has left the Committee Chambers with a few Senators quite agitated. Perticually with upcomming elections and public support very much behind the President, now may not have been the best time for the Joint-Committee to dig in it's heels"

You are watching MNB News

"... will be watching developments closely.

The Watcher Trials began today, with no less than ten government officials having been indicted on charges of treason.

The "watcher ten" will face the High Court on charges of Treason, High Treason, Conspiracy to commit Treason, Sedition, Conspiracy to committ Sedition, Conspiracy to commit High Treason, and Subversion of Imperial Officials, as well as corruption charges.

An ecclesiastical court served six of the individuals today with notice that they are to be tried on charges of Heresy.

If found guilty the ex-officials are likely to face excommunication.

Twenty-five private individuals and three foreign citizens have also been arrested in relation to the affair. The Attorney-General's office has refused to release the identity of the foreigners, but an ecclesiastical court has confirmed that eight of the twenty-five Macisikani have also been indicted on charges of Heresy.

First Minister Dettaine has initiated an Imperial Commission into the affair, in order to determine the full extent of the subversion. The Commission, headed by the Duchess of Intan, the Justice Lady Velhima Neskahn, has been granted wide ranging powers of inquiry and subpeona.

Rumour has it that the Synod has granted the Neskahn Commission the powers of an Inquisition of the Faith.

For now the case is being treated as an internal matter, and despite the shocking revelations made on Rotovian TV, His Holy Majesty's Government is unlikely to make this an international affair.

In a surprise move the Dominion of Akmadar outlawed gambling today..."

Reporter: "...the rabbit survived. In other news the Watchers Affair continues with Attorney-General Ivonna Flemmings condeming recent trials in Macisikan as an archaic violation of civil rights. The Joint-Committee is expected to hear evidence by the Minister for Internal Affairs tommorow.

But for now, we cross over live to The Senate Chambers where the President will be addressing the House..."

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Speaker: "The House will come to order, The Speaker acknowledges His Eminency the President"

President: "Thank you, good sir. Many of you have questioned the motives behind the Watchers and many off you seem to fear it's being. I do assure you that the organisation is an extension and union of concerned citizens world-wide and posing no threat at this time our national security."

Senator: "You hace to be kidding?!"

Speaker: "I warn the Member for Peaks..."

President: "I am not done, I am also availing the House that I will be calling elections immediatly. It is time we all faced the will of the people..."

NWN wire:

In an act of solidarity for the HQ of the movement now under trial back in Rotovia an errant chapter of the hotly debated ‘Watchers’ group has stormed a government building here in Nova Hope City. The group has asked for an on the air interview or they will begin to execute their hostages which include several teachers, national education board officials and the director of the department of health and wellness Jin Oshin. We now take you live.

There is a moving of the camera as the overly nervous camera man followed the reporter into the old government building. After some tantalizing footage of the hostages the errant group released the following.

“We are the watchers. Nova Hope is corrupt and we refuse to be ruled by them. We want the government to give the watcher organization ten billion dollars so that they may continue to grow and fight the good fight. We will never surrender and we will shoot the hostages if you try anything.”

You are watching MNB News

"... but will be able to compete.

The Watchers Affair has escalated today, with the arrest of a Rotovian national.

The man, identified as an intern working in the Rotovian Embassy, was apprehended in a small café on Four Winds Plaza, approximately six kilometres from the Diplomatic Quarter, along with two Macisikani, identified as government officials.

The police have released the identity of the three other foreign citizens arrested in the matter. They are two Akmadari and another Rotovian.

The Director of Imperial Prosecutions has confirmed that all four foreign nationals will face charges of Subversion of the Empire before Macisikani courts and under Macisikani law. The maximum penalty for this crime is 10 years imprisonment and a life ban on entry to the Empire, on pain of death, but it is likely that the Akmadari will also face criminal charges in the Dominion."

"The watcher ten faced Arn-Maciska Eighth District Magistrate's Court today; bail was denied, with all ten being remanded in custody.

One of the "watcher ten" has been identified as a member of the House of Lords.

The Lords have expelled the man, identified as the Earl of Saveliaon, from the House of Lords, and have confirmed that if he is found guilty of treason, he will be stripped of his title as well.

Meanwhile the four members of the "watcher ten" who escaped the ecclesiastical courts yesterday were indicted today on charges of Heresy. A spokeswoman for the Church has stated that "The basis for these charges is the treason charge; according to the edict of the Diet of Makaluiki, it is heresy to commit treason against the Cenobriach".

If found guilty on all charges the ten are likely to face life imprisonment."

"The Neskahn Imperial Commission has intensified its investigation of the affair; Justice Neskahn has subpoenaed the communications logs of the Rotovian Embassy from the Secretariat of International Telecommunications. Her Grace stated that this measure was designed to eliminate the possibility of Rotovian complicity in this affair.

The Attorney-General has issued a statement confirming that the affair is still considered internal by His Holy Majesty's Government, as well as the judiciary.

The comments aired by the Rotovian Attorney-General have been described as "unhelpful" by government officials."

Rotovian National News

"...needless to say the Senator was not laughing. But in international news an intern working at the Rotovian Embassy in Macisikan was apprehended by officals on charges of Subversion. President Baccehus made a public statement requested the offical be deported back to Rotovia immediatly without prosecution ...lest diplomatic immunity be damaged.

It is believed the President is pushing for the return of the Intern as concerns over the Macisikan Ecleseatical Courts broad use Excommunication has concerned Rotovia's large Catholics population.

There are also reports of Watcher affilated persons storming a Nova Hope goverment building, which are yet to be confirmed by government sources"

You are watching MNB News

... so far there are no casualties.

The Secretary of State for International Judicial Affairs, Sir Julius Vasard has rejected the public request of Rotovian President Baccehus that the Rotovian intern charged with Subversion of the Empire be returned to Rotovia.

[still picture of Sir Julius, text on screen in quotes]



"I most respectfully draw His Eminency's attention to the agreement the Rotovians signed when they agreed to establish an embassy and consulates in the Empire.

3. Subjugation to Macisikani Law
With the exception of the Ambassador, and his or her immediate family (brother, sister, spouse, parents, children) and the Deputy Ambassador, all of who will be granted Extra-territoriality, all Embassy personnel are subject to Macisikani law outside the Embassy itself.

Unfortunately this agreement does not extend the privilege of extra-territoriality and diplomatic immunity to interns. Furthermore the individual was arrested six kilometres away from the Embassy, and was without the required SecImpSec escort.

I am afraid that in this case we are bound by the law to prosecute the individual in question to the full extent of the law."


"Sir Julius has confirmed that the intern will have full access to other Rotovian embassy staff, including legal advisors.

So far, the Church has brought no charges against either the intern, or the other Rotovian also arrested; they are facing secular charges, but Church officials have hinted that the situation could change if the government is "unduly pressured".

The "watcher ten" are now the "watcher twelve" as two more high officials join the list of those being tried for treason..."

NWN:

After cutting power, water and bombarding the building with the sounds of coach roaches mating the release of more then half of the hostages has been negotiated for the cessation of the music and the return of the utilities. The remaining hostages include Jin Oshin, the national director of the department of health and wellness, as well as three teachers. The teachers are all from the local high school Noviet Capital High. Their students as well as their co workers hold out their hope for them.

Speaking to public safety head Henry Williams he had this to say.
“This organization [The Watchers] is just no good. It’s good in theory but it attracts a certain kind of person, the paranoid untrusting type. Even Rotovia is having troubles with it. Now we have twenty of our own citizens flipped out carrying around guns and taking hostages, teachers at that. Do you know why these people think we are corrupt? Here.”
*picks up a report and begins to read*
“The inflammatory incident for this situation seems to be the death of the infant son of the ring leader. Her son died from an easily preventable disease she simply didn’t have the money to pay for. Rather than exhausting other options she demanded the dept of health and wellness pay for it. As it is not policy to do so the dept refused..”
*throws it down*
“See? They dislike policy and have gone nuts. This country doesn’t have Medicare, if you don’t like that get a placard and protest not a gun.”

Back at the building the Watchers have begun to make demands for an air lift to the airport to escape to Rotovia and ‘report their findings.’ The negotiator seems to be willing to do that and pay some of their demands, for the release of the remaining hostages, we will give you more when it breaks.

Rotovian National News

"...which is great news for the locals. On the international front, Macisikans's Secretary of State for International Judicial Affairs, Sir Julius Vasard has refused the President's request for the deportation od Rotovian Citizens involved in the Watchers incident. The President commented that "...while immunity may not excist in a legal sense it does effect the relationship between our nations if it appears as though embassy staff are free game.". However, it appear the government will not be taking a hard line stance on this issue so close to elections when the Justice Ministry offered to co-operate if ecclesactical charges and the death penalty were taken off the table."

You are watching MNB News

"... will most likely face the death penalty if found guilty.

Also in this area, Sir Julius Vasard, the Secretary of State for International Judicial Affairs, has dismissed the Rotovians' concerns over the fate of two Rotovian nationals being tried over the watcher affair.

[text on screen, photo of Sir Julius, text read aloud]


"The death penalty was never on the cards. The law is clear; 10 years imprisonment and a lifetime ban on entering the Empire, its colonies and dominions, is the maximum penalty for this sort of offence.

While it is true that the travel ban is enforceable on pain of death, that particular detail is left up to the sentencing judge... and it has been over seventy years since the sanction of death upon return was placed upon anyone.

...

While I welcome the Rotovians' courteous diplomatic reaction, I cannot comment on the subject of ecclesiastical charges; that matter is for the Church to decide. The constitution is inflexible on this matter; the secular authorities may not intervene."


A spokeswoman for the Church has confirmed that the Rotovian intern will not face an ecclesiastical court. But the private individual's fate in this matter rests on the outcome of his secular trial.

The Neskahn Commission has issued a summons to the Secretary of State for..."

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[code:1:eb8072da3c]
CONFIDENTIAL
From: Office of the First Minister
To: President Dionysus Baccehus

Your Eminency,

It has come to my attention that you are concerned over the fate of two of your nationals currently facing charges of Subversion Against the Empire here in Macisikan.

I assure you that there is no need for concern; your citizens are not facing the death penalty, and never were.

It is highly likely that they will be banned for life from entering the Empire if found guilty, but it would take a finding of guilty on an ecclesiastical charge to make that ban enforceable on pain of death.

While the intern, whose name I cannot disclose by court order, is not facing any such charge, the other Rotovian is possibly, and let me stress that, possibly facing charges of Incitement to Heresy.

Even if found guilty he would not be executed; it is not a penalty for this sort of crime.

I hope this clarifies the situation somewhat.

[signed]
His Excellency, First Minister Akir Dettaine
[/code:1:eb8072da3c]


OOC: Rotovia, could you TG me with some names for these people please? (I don't know what sort of personal names your nation uses)

You are watching MNB News

"... and does not bode well.

The trials of two Rotovians arrested for Subversion against the Empire, Intern Peter Drescher and Citizen John Turner, began today in Arn-Macisika.

Intern Dresher is facing two charges of Subversion Against the Empire, and one count of Espionage, though it is possible that additional charges will be filed as facts are brought to light during the trial.

Citizen Turner is facing numerous counts of Subversion, at least ten counts of Espionage, and will most likely be facing an ecclesiastical court.

Another foreigner, possibly Rotovian, but whose nationality is unknown, was detained in the Houses of Parliament; the police have refused to comment.

Preparations continue at a fast pace for the upcoming..."

OOC: Where...? Come back here! We haven't finished with you yet!
BUMP.

You are watching MNB News

"... refused to budge.

The Rotovian Watcher trials continued today, with the prosecution presenting over 500 documents, not including electronic records and CCTV tapes, as evidence.

Rumour has it that an equal amount of data are yet to be presented to the court.

Legal experts are predicting a conviction for both Intern Dreshcer and Citizen Turner.

If convicted the two will likely face custodial sentences, and strict travel bans for a very long time.

There has yet to be any response from the Rotovians to these developments.

The Neskahn Commission has reported its preliminary findings to..."

*tag*

You are watching MNB News

"... remained firm.

The defence case was presented today in the Rotovian Watchers trials.

Defence counsel are attempting to discredit the prosecution's evidence, and attempting to prove mistaken identity.

Considering that the defendants were apprehended in possession of classified documents, it is expected that these attempts will be futile.

The two Akmadari arrested in connection..."

bumpage (noticed Rotovia's online)

i]You are watching MNB News [/i]

"... does not pose a threat.

The Duchy of Maciska Criminal Court found the Rotovians Intern Peter Drescher and Citizen John Turner guilty on all charges today.

Intern Drescher will be sentenced in about an hour's time, having been found guilty on two counts of Subversion Against the Empire and three counts of Espionage.

Citizen Turner has been found guilty on nine charges of Subversion Against the Empire and fifteen counts of Espionage. The citizen is now facing an ecclesiastical court on nine charges of Incitement to Heresy.

The Criminal Court has declared that, in accordance with proper procedure, it will hand down its sentence in the case of Turner Case after the conclusion of the ecclesiastical trial.

As the ecclesiastical charges require identical standards of proof and may use the same evidence as the secular ones, it is expected that the citizen will be found guilty.

The First Minister's Eleven will be playing..."

OOC: I think I'm pushing a dead topic... but I'll finish it off anyway; pretend that these took place over several days.

You are watching MNB News

"... and appears not to be extensive.

The Ecclesiastical Court of Maciska found Rotovian citizen Turner guilty on nine counts of incitement to heresy; he has been sentenced to serve his penance by being subject to the minimum second-order punishment that the secular courts may impose.

Intern Peter Drescher has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of seven years. He has also been banned from entering the Empire, its colonies and dominions for the next 90 years, and will be deported on release; if found in the Empire during that time, he will be arrested and imprisoned for a period no less then 20 years.

The Criminal Court handed down its sentence on citizen Turner only an hour ago; he has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with no parole. In the event that the citizen is released, he will be deported from the Empire, and a ban will be placed on his entry to the Empire, its colonies and dominions, for the span of his lifetime, on pain of life imprisonment.

Court officials have stated that the sentences will be served in high-security Macisikani gaols; intern Drescher will be under 24-hour guard for his own safety, and will be allowed family visits (monitored) and access to Embassy staff (monitored)

Citizen Turner will be placed in solitary confinement for the duration of his sentence; the spokesman confirmed that this is out of concern for his safety. Mr. Tuner will be allowed one familial visit per month (monitored).

A Rotovian diplomatic backlash is expected, but the First Minister has stated that "the judges handed down the sentences they thought appropriate. I may not intervene". The First Minister also hinted darkly that "there are far worse sentences that could have been imposed".

Following a disastrous loss to the Archcardinal's Eleven..."

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You are watching MNB News

"... and will not have an effect.

The Rotovians Peter Drescher and John Turner appealed their sentences yesterday. Setting a record for speed, the Court of Criminal Appeals has amended the two men's sentences:

[text on screen, read out, background is an imposing marble building]



Intern Peter Drescher:

- Prison sentence confirmed as 7-10 years
- Travel ban now permanent
- Travel ban enforceable on pain of life imprisonment.
- Deportation upon release from prison

Citizen John Turner

- Prison sentence reduced to 10-20 years in solitary confinement
- Direct visitation rights from Rotovian citizens suspended for 3 years
- Deportation upon release
- Travel ban enforceable on pain of death


The Court of Ecclesiastical Appeals refused to hear the appeal of Mr Turner, stating that "there is not enough evidence or reason for an appeal to be heard".

Rotovian reactions are expected to be strong, but the First Minister has stated that "once the courts have handed down their final verdicts, there is nothing that can be done".

Another plane has crashed into the sea off the coast of..."

Rotovian National News

"...indicating election could be called in Crete in less than a year. In other news, Macisikan Courts have ruled on the fate of the two Rotovian Citizens who are believed to be affiliated with the so called Watchers.

Citizens in the Imperial City took to the street after stiring words from Cardinal Peter Farthing who stated "No man or woman is fit to judge the Souls of Rotovians, only God alone may pass judgement... We must send a message to those who would defy the Heavenly Father's Judgement that we will not tolerate it"

There is yet to be any offical word fromt he Justice Department, accept to say that any form of Church intervention is not reccomended and the matter will be brought before the President's consideration"

NWN:

And there you have it. The conflict that was expected to end with a slow negotiation has ended in blood shed. Snipers killed the so called watchers on the roof when they attempt to exit the building via provided helicopter. Henry Williams public safety head had this to say.

“We don’t negotiate with hostage takers, period. As long as they were in that building and talking we were fine. The negotiators took it as far as they could, then the sharp shooters finished it.”

The bodies of the twenty terrorists have been identified. There are unconfirmed reports that one of said bodies was a Rotovian citizen although officials aren’t commenting. We tried to reach the Rotovian officials for comment however they declined from commenting as well.

You are watching MNB News

"... several more FTL flights are scheduled for the near future.

Rotovian Cardinal Peter Farthing issued comments today on the sentences of the Rotovian Watchers.


"No man or woman is fit to judge the Souls of Rotovians, only God alone may pass judgement... We must send a message to those who would defy the Heavenly Father's Judgement that we will not tolerate it"


The Archcardinal Perez has reacted angrily to Rotovian Cardinal Peter Farthing's comments. Speaking from the pulpit of Arn-Maciska Cathedral, the Archcardinal said:
"Thanks to the actions of those two people, twelve Macisikani souls have been damned for all eternity. Considering what the courts could have done to the Rotovians for that crime, I think that submission to secular punishment as sole penance is extremely light. Also, only one, I repeat one of the Rotovians faced the ecclesiastical court; the Church decided to show mercy in the matter."

The External Affairs Minister has made it clear that these comments are the personal views of the Archcardinal, not of the Church or the Imperial Government, and are not to be taken as such.

The MinExAf has issued a travel warning on Rotovia; Macisikani are discouraged from visiting that nation due to the current anti-Macisikani sentiment that Cardinal Farthing appears to have stirred.

MinExAf has also cautioned Rotovians from visiting the colonies "until the current tensions are dissolved".